Brent Vigen: The Coach Who Built a Dynasty and Chose to Stay in Bozeman

In the high-stakes world of college football, loyalty is a rare commodity. Coaches chase bigger paychecks and brighter lights, often leaving dedicated fanbases in the rearview. Montana State’s Brent Vigen just bucked that trend. On the eve of the 2026 FCS National Championship game, Vigen silenced speculation by reaffirming his commitment to the Bobcats, turning down potential Power Five opportunities to continue building his legacy in Bozeman. This decision cements his status not just as a winning coach, but as the architect of Montana State’s modern football golden age.

Vigen’s announcement comes at the program’s zenith. He has led the Bobcats to a second consecutive national title appearance, owns three seasons of at least 12 wins, and in 2024 became Montana State’s fourth national coach of the year and first to win the prestigious Eddie Robinson Award. His choice to stay is a seismic event for FCS football, signaling that a powerhouse program can retain its visionary leader.

The Contract: Securing a Foundation for the Future

Vigen’s commitment is backed by a substantial financial investment from Montana State. Following a contract extension signed on December 30, 2024, his new deal runs through March 31, 2029. This extension significantly boosted his compensation, rewarding the sustained excellence he has brought to the program.

Building a Bobcat Juggernaut: Vigen’s Record

Since taking over, Vigen has transformed Montana State into a national contender. His tenure is defined by consistent dominance in the Big Sky Conference and deep playoff runs. The 2025 season exemplifies this, culminating in the championship game in Nashville against Illinois State.

The scene in Tennessee underscored the program’s reach. As one MSU fan noted,

“I believe every single bar in town knows how to play ‘Mony Mony,’ and that wasn’t a thing before we got in town.”

This vibrant fan support is a direct result of the winning culture Vigen has instilled.

A Legacy of Winning Seasons

Vigen’s on-field success is quantifiable. He quickly rebounded the team from an 8-4 season in 2023, a year now viewed as a minor stumble in an otherwise meteoric rise. His ability to develop talent and maintain a championship-caliber program is unmatched in recent FCS history.

Why Staying Matters: More Than Just Football

Vigen’s decision to stay resonates beyond the scoreboard. It provides unparalleled stability for the Bobcat program during a period of massive facility growth, including the opening of the Bobcat Athletic Complex. For recruits, it’s a promise that the coach who recruited them will be there for their entire career. For the community of Bozeman and the state of Montana, it’s a point of immense pride.

His name was linked to major job openings, including being a finalist for the Oregon State position. By choosing Montana State, Vigen sent a clear message: what he is building in Bozeman is special and worth seeing through. As he stated simply in a recent press conference, he is “excited to be here.”

Common Questions

How long is Brent Vigen’s contract with Montana State?

Brent Vigen’s current contract extension keeps him as the head football coach at Montana State University through March 31, 2029.

How much does Brent Vigen make?

Following his most recent extension in late 2024, Brent Vigen’s annual salary is at least $295,000. This is a significant raise from his previous base salary of approximately $214,650.

What awards has Brent Vigen won?

In 2024, Brent Vigen was named the Eddie Robinson Award winner as the FCS National Coach of the Year. He is the first Montana State coach to ever receive this honor.

Did Brent Vigen consider other coaching jobs?

Yes. Following the 2025 season, Vigen was considered a top candidate for other positions, most notably as a finalist for the head coaching job at Oregon State. He ultimately chose to sign a long-term extension and remain with the Montana State Bobcats.